RIYADH, Nov 11(Arab News): The Ministry of Health has deployed over 17,000 health officials in Makkah, Madinah and ports of entry in western region to serve Haj pilgrims, ministry spokesman Khaled Al-Mirghalani told Arab News on Wednesday.

A total of 5,930 health officials have been stationed in Makkah, 12,078 in Madinah and 1,229 at the ports of entry. The officials include consultants, specialists, general practitioners, pharmacists, technicians, nurses, administrative staffers and drivers.

"Besides taking the required vaccination against meningitis, every pilgrim should carry a health kit," a health official from the ministry advised.

She added that leaders of the Haj groups should see that they have the kit as well as a first aid kits in their vehicles.

Explaining the contents of the health kit, the official said: "Firstly, they should take the medicines that are needed in case of sudden illnesses such as cold, fever, skin allergies, muscle cramps and stomach disorders. They include paracetamol, cough syrup, skin cream, antiseptic ointment, and laxatives and antacid."

The second part of the medicines include the regular medicines that a pilgrim consumes for his or her ailments, such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma that are recommended by their doctors.